The government of Malawi has launched its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR 2026 – 2031) in Lilongwe, aiming to balance national economic growth with strict safeguards for human rights. The plan, anchored in UN principles, was developed through multisectoral consultations and a national baseline assessment. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Charles Mhango, launched the plan, which targets high-risk sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, and construction.
The NAP-BHR is based on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), adopted in 2011. The UNGPs provide a framework for protecting human rights in business operations, comprising three pillars: the State duty to protect human rights, the corporate responsibility to respect human rights, and access to effective remedies for people affected by business-related human rights abuses. Chief State Advocate, Duncan Zikagwa, presented an overview of the plan, highlighting its anchorage in the UNGPs.
The development of the NAP-BHR involved consultations with government institutions and private stakeholders to establish priority actions. A national baseline assessment was conducted to examine Malawi's legal, policy, and institutional frameworks, identify gaps in human rights protection, and map business-related human rights risks in key sectors. The assessment informed the development of the plan, which aims to address critical gaps in human rights protections.
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs will coordinate the implementation of the NAP-BHR, supported by the presidency and the Malawi Human Rights Commission. Officials urged the business community to embrace the plan, which they believe will boost investor confidence and reduce risks. President Arthur Peter Mutharika has endorsed the plan, which is expected to promote responsible business conduct.
Zikagwa emphasized that the NAP-BHR is not a single-institutional task but a multisectoral effort. He urged the business community to view the plan as an opportunity to strengthen business performance rather than as a punitive government intervention. Responsible business conduct can improve investor confidence, reduce operational risks, and strengthen relationships between companies, communities, and regulators.
A panel discussion was held under the theme "Responsible Business in Practice," where panellists shared perspectives from their respective areas of work and made commitments and recommendations aimed at promoting responsible business conduct and strengthening the protection of human rights in business operations. The discussion was led by Zikagwa and featured various stakeholders.
The launch of the NAP-BHR marks a significant step towards balancing business and human rights in Malawi. The plan is expected to promote responsible business conduct, improve investor confidence, and strengthen human rights protections in the country. Key focus areas include mining, agriculture, tourism, and construction, which have been identified as high-risk sectors.
Key points
- The plan targets high-risk sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, and construction to address critical gaps in human rights protections.
- The NAP-BHR is anchored in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), adopted in 2011.
- The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs will coordinate the implementation of the NAP-BHR, supported by the presidency and the Malawi Human Rights Commission.
